shill

(s̸hil)

noun

  1. the confederate of a gambler, pitchman, auctioneer, etc. who pretends to buy, bet, or bid so as to lure onlookers into participating
  2. a person who works energetically to sell or promote something

Origin: contr. < shillaber < ?

intransitive verb

Slang to act or work as a shill

See shill in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
One who poses as a satisfied customer or an enthusiastic gambler to dupe bystanders into participating in a swindle.
verb shilled, shill·ing, shills
verb, intransitive
To act as a shill.
verb, transitive
  1. To act as a shill for (a deceitful enterprise).
  2. To lure (a person) into a swindle.

Origin:

Origin: Perhaps short for shillaber

.

Learn more about shill

link/cite print suggestion box